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Quantitative assessment of olfactory experience during pregnancy
1Roure, Inc. Teaneck, New Jersey 07666.
Psychosomatic Medicine
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Pregnancy impacts women's sense of smell, making them perceive odors as less pleasant and inedible. Pregnant women also reported fewer odor-evoked memories and used less perfume.
Area of Science:
- Olfactory Perception
- Human Behavior
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Pregnancy is associated with numerous physiological and psychological changes.
- Alterations in sensory perception, including smell, are commonly reported during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pregnancy on olfactory perception and odor-related behaviors.
- To compare the olfactory experiences of pregnant and nonpregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Geographic Smell Survey.
- Comparison of responses from 13,610 pregnant and 277,228 nonpregnant U.S. women (ages 20-40).
Main Results:
- Pregnant women reported a lower sense of smell compared to nonpregnant women.
- Pregnant women rated test odors as less pleasant and more often classified them as inedible.
- Pregnant women were less likely to report odor-evoked memories and used perfume/cologne less frequently.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy significantly alters olfactory perception and odor-related behaviors.
- These changes may influence women's interaction with their environment and personal care product usage during pregnancy.